We are 20+ year visitors to the USVIs and VG. We will be making our 4th trip to VG in February with our now 13yo. Because he needs a bit more "doing" at this age, I am looking for boat day suggestions for snorkeling and lunch. All of us enjoy being on the water and snorkeling. To date, most of our snorkeling has been from shore so I thought this trip might be a good time to visit the Indians and other BVI "from the boat" sites. We are a party of 2 (maybe three) adults and a teen.

Does anyone have suggestions on an operator for a private snorkeling excursion? We like both motor and sails. I just sent an email to Dive BVI.

Definitely call Elaine at the Leverick Bay dock (they're at www.virgingordapowerboatrentals.com). They'll rent you a boat or you can charter with a captain. We've done their "join in" all day adventure for $150 each and it was a bargain, with five snorkeling stops and a lunch stop.

We will definitely charter with one of the Virgin Gorda companies for a full day of fun when our group is there in March but I have a question. We are boaters who live on the north shore of Boston. The water is dark and there are many many hidden rocks that remain unmarked. You just have to be familiar with the waters around here. (Which we are). My question is- how difficult is it to navigate (say) the north sound if we were to rent a motor boat for the day. There are 8 of us so we we could do two dinghies but a day on a power boat might be equally as fun. Visit some of the surrounding small islands and beaches. Thoughts? Are there tricks of the trade in those waters or is it clear and light enough that it’s fairly easy?

Hire one of the captained boats - worth every penny. The do the worrying, anchoring, know the waters, etc. We have used TRC twice and really like him. You would have to ask him how many he can accommodate.

Hire one of the captained boats - worth every penny. The do the worrying, anchoring, know the waters, etc. We have used TRC twice and really like him. You would have to ask him how many he can accommodate.

Are there tricks of the trade in those waters or is it clear and light enough that it’s fairly easy?

There are few hidden hazards in the North Sound, and the water is of course Caribbean clear. But it's worth looking at a chart to understand the areas to be avoided. Definitely maintain a respectful distance from Colquhoun Reef!